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Skybus
Travelling with Children
Luggage
Children’s tickets (2 – 11 years) carry the same 15kg luggage allowance that standard, adults tickets do.
Infant tickets (0 – 1 years) do not come with luggage included, but we are happy to carry a buggy or travel cot for them, free of charge. You’ll find more information on our luggage allowances, here. Land’s End Airport We have baby changing facilities, and a children’s corner with books and toys (for those who aren’t too busy watching the aircraft).
FAQs
Q. Does my child need a seat of their own?
A. Children over the age of 2 will need their own seat (we do offer cheaper fares; you’ll find details below). By law, infants younger than 24 months have to stay sitting safely on a grown-up’s lap for your whole journey.
Q. Do you offer cheaper fares for children?
A. Yes; we’re thrilled when families fly with us, and we offer special discount tickets for infants (0-1 years) and children (2-11 years). To find the prices for your chosen trip visit our fares page.
Q. What are children’s luggage allowances?
A. Children’s tickets (2-11 years) come with the same 15kg luggage allowance that our standard, adult tickets do. Infant tickets (0-2 years) do not come with any luggage included, but we are happy to carry a buggy or travel cot for them, free of charge. Click for more information on our luggage allowances.
Q. Can we a bring a booster or car seat?
A. You can’t bring them on-board to use during the flight, but if you need one for your holiday on the islands, we’re happy to take it in the hold as part of your luggage allowance. Because the Isles of Scilly have very few cars, most families find they have no need for a car seat while they’re on the islands.
Q. Can you transport bikes and large play equipment?
A. Bicycles and other large items won’t fit on the aircraft. Excess luggage space is also very limited, so it’s a good idea to check in advance on 01736 785233 if you think you might need it. Many of the islands offer bike hire, but if you’d like to take your own with you the best option is to send large items separately, on Scillonian. For more information visit luggage.
Q. Are electronic gadgets allowed?
A. As long as they’re in flight safe mode, that’s fine. Please obey the crew’s instructions, and remember to be sensitive to other passengers, for example by using headphones for any sound. If you need to use a charger, you’ll find mains electricity sockets at Land’s End Airport.
Q. Can my child travel on their own?
A. It depends how old they are; we try to be as accommodating as we can. Children under 8 have to be accompanied by someone 16 or over. From 12-15 we can look after them as an unaccompanied minor, and in between we have a Young Flyer’s Declaration form. For further information see Children travelling alone.
Q. Are there family facilities at the airport?
A. Naturally, all our airports have baby changing facilities. At Land’s End Airport, there’s a children’s corner, with child-friendly information and quizzes. The café can provide you with a high chair, and will be happy to warm baby food for you. Although there’s no private breastfeeding area, you are of course more than welcome to feed your baby in any of the public relaxation areas. Café staff at St. Mary’s Airport are also very happy to warm baby food.
Exeter Airport offers baby bottle warming, baby food on request, dedicated baby changing facilities both land-side and air-side, and a children’s menu in their restaurant.
Q. Can I take medicine or baby milk on the flight?
A. Like any flight, Skybus services have the usual security checks for liquids – so as long as the bottle is less than 100ml, and they’re in a one litre resealable plastic bag, it’s fine. Read more about our airport security procedures.
Q. Will we meet the pilot?
A. Yes, absolutely. Your captain will greet you in person as you board the aircraft, and again as you disembark. But even more exciting, our planes have an open cockpit, and wherever you’re sitting, you’ll have a good view of the pilots as they fly you to your destination.
Q. Can we walk around on the plane?
A. No, our aircraft are very small – with either 8 or 19 seats – so there’s no room to walk around. And the flights are so short, there’s only time to sit back and enjoy the view.
Scillonian
Travelling with Children
Luggage
Children and infants have the same 25kg luggage allowance as grown-ups do, but please do remember that this includes any items like travel cots or buggies you might be checking in. For more information on luggage allowances, look here.
Buggies
If you’d find it easier to keep your buggy with you during the crossing, that’s absolutely fine. Please show consideration to your fellow passengers, by being careful not to cause an obstruction (if a buggy is especially large, we might ask you to fold it for some parts of the voyage).
On-board facilities
There are baby changing facilities on-board the ship and you are, of course, more than welcome to feed your baby in any of the public areas. For those who tire of spotting sea-life, lighthouses and ships, our on-board publication, S magazine, has a special children’s activity section (don’t worry if you don’t have time to finish – S magazine is free for all passengers, so you can take it with you.)
FAQs
Q. Do you offer cheaper fares for children?
A. Yes; we’re thrilled when families sail with us, and we offer special discount tickets for infants (0-1 years) and children (2-11 years). To find the prices for your chosen trip visit our fares page.
Q. What family facilities do you have on-board?
A. You’ll find our recently-refurbished baby changing facilities in the disabled toilet on the upper deck. You are of course welcome to feed your baby in any of the public areas on board ship, but if you’d prefer somewhere private, please do ask at the Purser’s Office. If you’d like us to warm some baby food or milk, please ask at either of the cafés – we don’t have microwave facilities, but may still be able to help.
Q. How long is the crossing?
A. Depending on tides and weather conditions, the crossing takes about 2h 45m.
Q. How will I keep them occupied?
A.For many children, simply being on board ship is exciting enough. Especially in good weather, families tend to spend time on deck, enjoying the view and looking out for islands, ships and wildlife.
We regularly spot dolphins and rare sea birds; basking sharks are a possibility, and if you’re really lucky you may even see a whale. Every week, our resident nature expert makes the trip, to show you where to look.
Q. Is the ferry safe for children?
A. We do our best to keep everyone safe, and it’s understandable that children can be excited about being on board ship. But it’s always important to keep a close eye on children, on any moving vehicle – especially with more than 400 other passengers on -board.
In particular, it’s important not to let them run or climb: as any sailor will tell you, always keep your feet firmly on the deck.
Q. What are children’s luggage allowances?
A. Children and infants benefit from the same 25Kg luggage allowance as grown-ups do, but please do remember that this includes any items like travel cots or buggies you might be checking in.
Q. Can I take a buggy or pushchair on-board?
A. If you’d find it easier to keep your buggy with your during the crossing, that’s absolutely fine – but please be considerate to your fellow passengers, by being careful not to cause an obstruction, especially if the weather on deck is bad and space is limited. If a buggy is especially large, we might have to ask you to fold it for some parts of the voyage.
Q. Can we bring bikes and play equipment?
A. We can transport bikes and other large items in our cargo containers; please contact us to book them in advance.
You’re welcome to bring smaller play items like colouring books on board, to keep young ones occupied if exploring and looking for ships and sea life don’t appeal.
Q. Are electronic gadgets allowed?
A. Yes, but please do remember to use headphones if there’s any sound, so you don’t disturb your fellow passengers. We’re not able to provide charging facilities on board ship.
Q. Can my child travel on their own?
A. It’s quite a long crossing, and there’s always a chance the ocean might become rough, so we can’t allow children under the age of 16 to travel unaccompanied aboard Scillonian III. If you have a child (aged between eight and sixteen) who need to travel to or from Scilly on their own, Skybus may be able to help.
Q. What if my child’s unwell?
A. Our crew will provide you with sick bags, and any materials you need to make sure your child is as clean and comfortable as possible. We can’t actually look after your children, but we’re here to help.
Q. Who can I ask for help?
A. If you need help, please ask any one of our crew – or go to the Purser’s Office on the upper deck.
Q. Can my child meet the Captain?
A. The Captain and Master are very busy people, but if you ask at the Purser’s Office we’ll always do our best for you.